Harriman Lakes

[buddha162]

I got the permit last year for the first time...easily the closest lakes near me, figured it would be a blast on the kayak in the early season.

My freshwater muscles are atrophied, it's true, but MAN these lakes are tough to fish. I focused mainly on Tiorati, and the water was gin clear...6lb floro jerkbaiting in the Spring yielded a few decent fish, but many more turned off/spooked. Welch had a couple days of nice smallie action, but nothing over 14".

I heard these lakes are heavily pressured by the bucket brigade, which I didn't witness but I tend to fish weekdays.

Now I'm wondering if I should renew my permits this year...or suck it up and travel farther to get my sweetwater kicks in!

 

[george]

You should check out some of the Westchester lakes and reservoirs.

 

[movetheboat]

biggest largemouth I ever caught was in TIORATI...the channel between the two islands on a deep fished live minnow...light tackle...Welch has the smallies...also get large bluegills...yellow perch and pickerel....have not fished it in years

 

[buddha162]

You should check out some of the Westchester lakes and reservoirs.View attachment 1245

George, that is a PIG of a smallie! Prespawn fish?

I know the westchester reservoirs hold giants...too bad they're row boat only (correct?)...Some of the better smallie reservoirs in NJ allow boats, but no kayaks. Such an injustice lol, smallmouths are by far my favorite freshwater species to target!

 

[buddha162]

biggest largemouth I ever caught was in TIORATI...the channel between the two islands on a deep fished live minnow...light tackle...Welch has the smallies...also get large bluegills...yellow perch and pickerel....have not fished it in years

I've heard from a couple of people that there were giants in T...I guess I'll have to roll the dice to see if there still are any left!

Thanks for the tip!

 

[Steve]

You should check out some of the Westchester lakes and reservoirs.View attachment 1245

 

[MOJOE]

^^^ reel nice fish george ^^^,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ><)))):>
><)))):>

 

[george]

George, that is a PIG of a smallie! Prespawn fish?

I know the westchester reservoirs hold giants...too bad they're row boat only (correct?)...Some of the better smallie reservoirs in NJ allow boats, but no kayaks. Such an injustice lol, smallmouths are by far my favorite freshwater species to target!

Yes row boat only. Luckily Steve loves to row ?

 

[cany]

You should check out some of the Westchester lakes and reservoirs.View attachment 1245

Nice Smallie Mr President last smallie I caught was on Shelter Island years ago

 

[WillD]

I've fish sebago often. Only real luck I've had there is for some decent crappie, perch and pickerel.

The main lakes do get a lot of pressure... If you want to take a hike in and find some of the secluded ponds there's some good ones in the park.

 

[flounderjoe]

Nice smallie !! George

 

[Flukerr]

Going to head up and fish some of the Res, next month...Have a pretty good understanding....If someone is up there or wants to take the ride to join a friend and I, let me know....Bring the waders an prepare to do some walking.... Well worth it if the "plan" comes together...